System and method for hybrid course instruction

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods related to providing an electronic presentation to both in-class attendees and remotely located out-of-class attendees, in which video and audio associated with the presentation is provided to the remote attendees, and out-of-class programmable systems are programmed to execute an educational exercise associated with the presentation and be remotely operated by the remote attendees.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 61/167,364, filed on Apr. 7, 2009, which is hereby included byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to systems and methods for students at locationsremote from a presenter or classroom to participate in educationalactivities.

2. Background

The disclosed subject matter relates to, among other things, a systemand method for hybrid course instruction, in which remotely situatedlearners are able to simultaneously participate in presentations orclasses along with in-class counterparts actually situated in apresentation area or classroom with a presenter or instructor.

Virtual participation in classrooms enables high-quality classroomcourses to be delivered via collaborative, live training sessions withinstructors and learners who are based in different locations. Thetraining may include multimedia presentations, software simulations,application sharing, and participant interaction. Multimedia TrainingContent employed in virtual classroom instruction may include, but isnot limited to: PowerPoint presentations including animation, screentransitions, and real-time annotations; Dynamic and interactive Flashcontent; Streaming audio and video of the course instructor; and SharedWeb browsers. Virtual training sessions can be recorded and shared,allowing attendees the opportunity to review content asynchronouslyafter the live event.

Virtual classroom instruction includes real-time sharing of documents,software demonstrations, live polling, live chat/instant messaging, andshared whiteboards allowing virtual class participants to interactcollaboratively. Instructors and participants may also share and passcontrol of their desktop applications.

Active learning is enhanced via simultaneous small-group collaborativeactivities, known as breakout sessions.

Streaming video integration is provided, by which video content engagescourse participants and aids in knowledge retention.

To meet the needs of customers who require self-paced, asynchronoustraining content, custom enterprise-wide solutions for largeorganizations may be provided. These solutions combine live classroomtraining supplemented with asynchronous, online training and includevirtual versions of classroom activities. Provided modules may bestandards compliant (SCORM or AICC) and integrate with the most commonLearning Management Systems (LMS).

Custom, blended-solution and asynchronous module features include:training presentations, multimedia delivery of lecture content,streaming video content, in-line quizzes and assessments, softwaredemonstration videos, live remote hands-on exercises (e.g., for ITcourses), 24×7 access to course virtual exercise labs, softwaresimulations, and LMS integration (including SCORM 1.2 and 2004 andAICC).

Hybrid courses bridge the gap between an actual classroom course, inwhich an instructor and attendees are collocated, and a virtualclassroom. In hybrid courses, remote attendees can participatesimultaneously in the classroom session almost as though they wereattending in person. Virtually all of the features available in thevirtual classroom environment are available to enhance the remoteattendees' hybrid training experience, including the use of remotehands-on exercises.

Hybrid course technology enables remote learners to participate in liveclasses along with their in-class counter parts. Streaming of live audioand video of the classroom enables the remote participants to see andhear the course instructor and other in-class students. In separatewindows in a remote participant's interface, a remote participant canalso observe a real-time view of Learning Tree's MagnaLearn™instructional enhancement system, which projects the course trainingmaterials and instructor annotations. Finally, the hybrid learningsystem enables remote attendees to control in-class computers so thatthey may complete the technical hands-on exercise labs. As is done forthe classroom attendees, student machines are set up in the classroomfor remote users. As a result, hands-on exercises work exactly as in theclassroom, allowing the instructor to observe the remote attendees' workas s/he would as that of in-class attendees.

All publications, scientific, patent or otherwise discussed in thisapplication are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety forall purposes, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,058,891; 7,131,068; 7,134,079;and 7,454,708, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0103882.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to systems and methods related to providing anelectronic presentation to both in-class attendees and remotely locatedout-of-class attendees, in which video and audio associated with thepresentation is provided to the remote attendees, and out-of-classprogrammable systems are programmed to execute an educational exerciseassociated with the presentation and be remotely operated by the remoteattendees.

Additional advantages of the present invention will become readilyapparent to those skilled in this art from the following detaileddescription, wherein only the preferred embodiment of the invention isshown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best modecontemplated of carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its severaldetails are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, allwithout departing from the invention. The present invention may bepracticed without some or all of these specific details. In otherinstances, well known process operations have not been described indetail, in order not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded asillustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, inwhich a plurality of remote attendees 141 are able to activelyparticipate in an educational session delivered at presentation center110 by use of remote attendee systems 140.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of components included in an embodimentof presentation center 110.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of components included in anotherembodiment of presentation center 110.

FIG. 3 illustrates an in-classroom arrangement for an embodiment ofpresentation center 110 including components illustrated in FIG. 2A.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate embodiments of the disclosed subject matterin which various windows included in a user interface.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of attendee list window 440 includedin user interface 400.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of chime-in interface 450 included inuser interface 400.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of additional information window 460included in user interface 400.

FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of left display window 410 included inuser interface 400.

FIG. 5E illustrates an embodiment of chat window 470 included in userinterface 400.

FIGS. 5F-1, 5F-2, and 5F-3 illustrate embodiments of audio/video window430 included in user interface 400.

FIG. 5G illustrates an embodiment of getting started window 480 includedin user interface 400.

FIG. 5H illustrates an embodiment of web links window 490 included inuser interface 400.

FIGS. 5I-1, 5I-2, 5I-3, and 5I-4 illustrate an embodiment of technicalsupport window 422 included in user interface 400.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a breakout session configuration600.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a breakout interface 700 utilizedduring the breakout sessions.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a PC based implementation ofcomputer system 821, and is illustrative of some embodiments of variousprogrammed computer systems illustrated in the figures.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computersystem 931, which may perform the functions of a server, and isillustrative of some embodiments of the programmed computer systemsillustrated in the figures.

The drawings disclose illustrative embodiments, and do not set forth allembodiments of the invention. Other embodiments may be used in additionor instead. Details that may be apparent or unnecessary may be omittedto save space or for more effective illustration. Conversely, someembodiments may be practiced without all of the details that aredisclosed. When the same numeral appears in different drawings, it isintended to refer to the same or like components or steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the disclosed subject matter, inwhich a plurality of remote attendees 141 are able to activelyparticipate in an educational session delivered at presentation center110 by use of remote attendee systems 140. Presentation center 110 andremote attendee systems 140 are each connected to network 120, such asthe Internet. Connection server 130 is also connected to network 120.Each of presentation center 110, connection server 130, and remoteattendee systems 140 include a programmed computer, including, but notlimited to, desktop or portable computers, connected to network 120.Connection server 130 provides communication services for the hybridlearning system. Presentation center 110 establishes a networkingsession with connection server 130, and exchanges data therewith. Eachof remote attendee systems 140 establishes a separate networking sessionwith connection server 130, and exchanges data therewith. By thismechanism, data provided by presentation center 110 is distributed byconnection server 130 to each of remote attendee systems 140.Additionally, data produced by remote attendee systems 140 may beprocessed by connection server 130 and/or relayed to presentation center110 and/or other remote attendee systems 140. For example, voice dataprovided by a first remote attendee system 140 would be provided topresentation center 110, as well as the other remote attendee systems140, allowing all engaged in an educational session to hear and possiblyrespond to comments provided by remote attendee 141.

The connection scheme illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a number ofbenefits. First, by not establishing a direct networking session betweenremote attendee systems 140 and presentation center 110, the bandwidthrequired by presentation center 110 can be reduced significantly. Thisis important for a number of locations at which presentation center 110may be located, as a high-bandwidth networking link to network 120 maybe unavailable or expensive. Instead, only connection server 130 needsto make use of a high bandwidth networking link for broadcasting datareceived from presentation center 110 to the plurality of remoteattendee systems 140. Although not illustrated in FIG. 1, where there isa plurality of simultaneous hybrid learning sessions, each with it ownrespective presentation center 110 and plurality of remote attendeesystems 140, the plurality of presentation centers 110 may all connectto the single connection server 130, and obtaining further benefits interms of reduced overall networking costs and system administrationcosts. Second, it is common for a protective firewall to be locatedbetween computer systems, such as presentation center 110 and remoteparticipant 140 a, and Internet 120. It is often difficult establishdirect network sessions with a system positioned behind such a firewall.However, it is generally much simpler for systems behind such firewallsto establish connections to systems such as connection server 130. Thus,establishing the necessary networking sessions for both presentationcenter 130 and remote attendee systems 140 is simplified by use ofconnection server 130. Third, in some embodiments where a third-partycollaboration technology, such as Abode Acrobat

Connect (a product of Abobe Systems of San Jose, Calif.), is employed, athird-party may provide and manage connection server 130, therebysignificantly reducing staff and costs that would otherwise beassociated with maintaining connection server 130. In one embodiment,connection server 130 is programmed to operate as a Adobe AcrobatConnect server, remote attendee systems 140 are programmed to executeAdobe Acrobat

Connect client software that establishes sessions with connection server130, and programmable systems included in presentation center 110 areprogrammed to execute Adobe Acrobat Connect client software thatestablishes sessions with connection server 130. In some embodiments,remote attendee systems receive 140 instructions via network which causeeach of the remote attendee systems receive 140 to perform thetechniques described below with respect to remote attendee systems 140.For example, by visiting a specified address using a web browser onremote attendee system 140, instructions are retrieved and executed byremote attendee system 140 which cause it to perform the techniquesdescribed below with respect to remote attendee systems 140.

Additionally, in some embodiments connection server 130 may be at thesame location as presentation center 110, or connection server 130 maybe fully integrated into presentation center 110.

FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic of components included in an embodimentof presentation center 110. A presenter 310 (see FIG. 3) operatesconsole interface 210. In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B,and 3, the console utilizes features of the Learning Tree MagnaLearnconsole, of which various embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,058,891; 7,131,068; 7,134,079; and 7,454,708, and U.S. PatentApplication Publication No. 2002/0103882. Typically, console interface210 is only visible to presenter 310 during the course of apresentation. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, console interface includes twowindows 211 a and 211 b for displaying left and right slides. The slideshown in left window 211 a is directed to left display 220 a, and theslide shown in right window 211 b is directed to right display 220 b.Displays 220 a and 220 b provide large-format displays that allow localattendees 320 (see FIG. 3) to view, for example, the slidescorresponding to windows 211 a and 211 b. As illustrated in FIG. 2A,displays 220 a and 220 b are provided by projector devices; however,other display devices are well-known in the art, and include, but arenot limited to, rear-projection systems, front-projection systems,plasma display devices, cathode ray tube display devices, and LCDdisplay devices. Console interface 210 outputs display signalscorresponding to the slides displayed in windows 211 a and 211 b. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the display signals are in VGAformat, as the VGA display signal format is easily distributed usingreadily available and inexpensive splitters and switches. However, thoseskilled in the art would appreciate that other display signal formatscould be substituted for the VGA display signal format used in variousembodiments illustrated in this disclosure. For example, the DVI videosignal format is being used increasingly.

The display signal for left window 211 a output by console interface 210is received by left splitter 215 a, which splits and outputs thereceived signal to left display 220 a and left video encoder 216 a. Thedisplay signal sent to left display 220 a is projected for viewing bylocal attendees 320. The display signal sent to left video encoder 216 aconverts the VGA display format signal into video data stream for use byleft video encoding system 230 a. For example, VGA-to-USB videoconverters are available for providing video data via a computer's USBport. One example is the VGA2USB compact external VGA/RGB signal grabber(manufactured by Epiphan of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada). Left videoencoding system 230 a is programmed to compress and/or encode thehigh-bandwidth video data stream into a low-bandwidth video data streamsuitable for transmission via network 120 and receipt by connectionserver 130. For example, Abode Acrobat Connect software includesinstructions which cause the programmed computer to encode a video datastream into a format appropriate for transmission via network 120. Thoseskilled in the art appreciate that left video encoding system 230 a maybe programmed to perform other video compression techniques known in theart.

The display signal for right window 211 b output by console interface210 is received by 2-port A/B video switch 270. Video switch 270 alsoreceives a display signal from demonstration computer 260, andselectively outputs one of the two received display signals. Althoughvideo switch 270 may be operated manually or by a handheld remote forselection of the output display signal. The display signal output byvideo switch 270 is received by right splitter 215 b. The display signalreceived by right splitter 215 b is handled in a similar manner to thedisplay signal received by left splitter 216 a. Right splitter 216 bsplits and outputs the received signal to right display 220 b and rightvideo encoder 216 b. The display signal sent to right display 220 b isprojected for viewing by local attendees 320. The display signal sent toright video encoder 216 b converts the VGA display format signal intovideo data stream for use by right video encoding system 230 b. Rightvideo encoding system 230 b is programmed to compress and/or encode thehigh-bandwidth video data stream into a low-bandwidth video data streamsuitable for transmission via network 120 and receipt by connectionserver 130.

Demonstration computer 260 is programmed to perform a number offunctions. First, demonstration computer 260 receives streaming videofrom video camera 240. Examples of video camera 240 include, but are notlimited to, Communicate STX USB Webcam (by Logitech of Fremont, Calif.),aGent V4 HD USB Webcam (by Liquid Digital Solutions of Victoria,Australia), Canon GL-series camcorder, and FullSight IP 360° Camera (bySentry 360 Security of Naperville, Ill.). The FullSight IP 360° Camerautilizes a fisheye lens to capture a 360 degree view of the classroom.Data connection interfaces between video camera 240 and demonstrationcomputer 260 include, but are not limited to, IEEE-1394 (also known asFirewire) and USB (Universal Serial Bus). Much as described above withrespect to left video encoder system 230 a, demonstration computer 260is programmed to compress and/or encode the high-bandwidth video datareceived from video camera 240 into a low-bandwidth video data streamsuitable for transmission via network 120 and receipt by connectionserver 130. In some embodiments, video camera 240 is aimed in a fixeddirection at a fixed zoom position, so as to provide streaming video ofpresenter 310 while presenter 310 is at console interface 210. However,in some embodiments, the direction and/or zoom of video camera 240 maybe controlled via demonstration computer 260. This allows video camera240 to be directed at other targets at the presentation site, such aslocal attendees 320 or presenter 310 while at positions other thanconsole interface 210, such as while operating demonstration computer260. In one embodiment, demonstration computer 260 is programmed toutilize Adobe Acrobat Connect software to establish a session withconnection server 130 for sharing the video with connection server 130,with the video data transmitted via the session provided to remoteparticipants 140.

Additionally, although not illustrated in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments asecond video camera may be included, which provides an alternative viewof the classroom. As with video data provided by video camera 240, aprogrammable computer may be programmed to compress and/or encodehigh-bandwidth video data received from the second video camera into alow-bandwidth video data stream suitable for transmission via network120 and receipt by connection server 130. As illustrated in FIG. 4F-2,images from both video cameras may simultaneously be displayed by aremote attendee system 140. As illustrated in FIG. 4F-1, presentationcenter 110 and/or remote attendee system 140 may be programmed toselectively display at remote attendee system 140 video from one ofvideo camera 240 and the second video camera. Presenter 310 or anotherperson associated with the presentation may control presentation center110 and/or remote attendee system 140 so that the same video isdisplayed by all remote attendee systems 140. In some embodiments, aremote attendee system 140 may be programmed to allow remote attendee141 to selectively switch between video from either one of video camera240 and the second video camera. Use of the second video camera may beuseful for periods in a presentation when presenter 310 moves away fromconsole interface 210 to, for example, perform a demonstration atdemonstration computer 260.

In some embodiments, video camera 240 is a wide-angle camera, such asthe FullSight IP 360° Camera discussed above, and remote attendeesystems 140 are programmed to provide a control, as illustrated in FIG.4F-3, that allows a remote attendee 141 to control the field of viewdisplayed at a remote attendee system 140. Rather than move video camera240 in response to this control, instead only a portion of the videocaptured by video camera 240, selected via the control, is displayed inaudio video window 430 at remote attendee system 140. In suchembodiments, each remote attendee 141 may independently control theirfield of view.

Second, demonstration computer 260 outputs and receives audio viaspeakerphone 250. Examples of speakerphone 250 includes, but is notlimited to, the Chat 150 VC Video Conference Speakerphone (by ClearOneCommunications of Salt Lake City, Utah), and Konftel 300 seriesspeakerphone (by Konftel AB of Umeå, Sweden). In some embodiments,speakerphone 250 is connected to demonstration computer 260 via USB,although those skilled in the art appreciate that other techniques maybe employed for demonstration computer 260 to send/receive either analogor digital audio signals. Demonstration computer 260 is programmed tocompress and/or encode audio signals received from speakerphone 250 intoan encoded digital format suitable for transmission via network 120 andreceipt by connection server 130. Additionally, demonstration computer260 is programmed to receive audio data from connection server 130 vianetwork 120, process the received audio data, and output the audio viaspeakerphone 250. Accordingly, when presenter 310 speaks, speakerphone250 captures the audio, demonstration computer 260 transmits audio datato connection server 130, and connection server 130 provides the audiodata to remote participants 140, thereby allowing the remoteparticipants to hear the presentation given by presenter 310. Incircumstances where a remote participant is able to participate in adiscussion during the presentation, speech captured by remoteparticipant 140 is transmitted, via connection server 130, todemonstration computer 260 for output at the presentation site. In oneembodiment, demonstration computer 260 is programmed to utilize AdobeAcrobat Connect software to establish a session with connection server130 for transmitting audio data between demonstration computer 260 andconnection server 130. Adobe Acrobat Connect software provides a cameraand voice module that can be utilized to, with a single session betweendemonstration computer 260 and connection server 130, share both thevideo and audio data discussed above. Additionally, speakerphone 250 maybe used in conjunction with a standard POTS-based audio conferencingservice, to allow a remote user 140 to participate in the audio portionof the presentation via a telephone.

In some embodiments, instead of speakerphone 250, one or moremicrophones and one or more speakers may be provided, particularly at asite frequently used in conjunction with the disclosed subject matter.The use of more than one microphone may better allow audio conversationsby local attendees 320 to be captured. The use of one or more speakersmay better ensure each of local attendees 320 is able to hear audiooutput by demonstration computer 260. In some embodiments, presenter 310is provided with a wireless headset to ensure voice communicationquality regardless of the position of presenter 310 in the classroom.

Third, demonstration computer 260 is programmed to control interactionbetween presentation center 110 and connection server 130, as well ascontrol how the presentation is viewed by remote participants 140.Demonstration computer 260 is used to establish a session withconnection server 130. Once the session is established, an interfacesimilar to what is illustrated in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B is provided ondemonstration computer 260. If presenter 310 maximizes a window includedin this interface, the maximized window will similarly the maximized inthe interfaces provided to remote participants 140. Thus, if presenter310 wishes to focus on a particular portion of the presentation, such asa demonstration being executed on demonstration computer 260, it may bedone via this interface on the demonstration computer 260.

Fourth, demonstration computer 260 is programmed for the execution ofdemonstrations by presenter 310. For example, in an example where apresentation regarding the use of Microsoft Word is being made,demonstration computer 260 is programmed to execute Microsoft Word, andfurther includes in its storage various documents and data which areused by presenter 310 in conjunction with the presentation. In someinstances, the demonstration may be provided by use of virtual machinesoftware such as VMware Fusion (by VMware, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.).The use of virtual machine software allows the use of system images,which quickly provide presenter 310 with specific preset programenvironments ideal for demonstration purposes. Usually whendemonstration computer 260 is being used to execute a demonstration,video switch 270 is configured to output the video signal received fromdemonstration computer 260, so that the demonstration is displayed onright display 220 b and transmitted to connection server 130 via rightvideo encoding system 230 b.

Fifth, demonstration computer 260 is programmed to allow presenter 310to observe the use of remote student computers 331. In some embodiments,presenter 310 can also control remote student computers 331. This allowspresenter 310 to review and interact with remote use of remote studentcomputers 331 without having to walk over to remote student computers331. In some embodiments, “headless” configurations of remote studentcomputers 331, in which no monitor, keyboard, or mouse is provided forstudent computers 331, may be used, as both presenter 310 and remoteparticipant 140 are able to access student computers 331 via a networkconnection. In some embodiments, remote student computers 331 may beprovided in a location remote from presentation center 110, which mayallow for increased efficiency in administration of a pool of studentcomputers 331 provided for a plurality of presentations. In oneembodiment, student computers 331 are programmed to execute a serverprogram providing a graphical desktop sharing system such as theplatform-independent Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol, allowingfor remote access by a computer, such as demonstration computer 260,which is programmed to execute a VNC client, such the open sourceprogram UltraVNC. Additionally, connection controller 290 may beprogrammed to provide a user interface that simplifies establishing aVNC session with any of the student computers 331 participating in apresentation. One example of such a user interface includes, but is notlimited to, a set of icons that each correspond to a respective studentcomputer 331. In some embodiments, the remote access mechanism providedfor remote student computers 331 may also be provided for studentcomputers 330, to facilitate access and control of these systems bypresenter 310.

Video encoding systems 230 a and 230 b and demonstration computer 260each have network connections to network 120. Various networkingtechnologies, including, but not limited to, hard-wired connections suchas CAT-5 Ethernet and wireless networking technologies such as 802.11g,may be employed. Via network 120 video encoding systems 230 a and 230 band demonstration computer 260 exchange data with connection server 130,and thereby exchange data with remote participants 140 a-140 d. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, it is optional for console interface210 to make use of a network connection. However, various capabilities,such as control of the operation of the hybrid learning system ordemonstration computer 260 directly from the console, make use of anetwork connection.

FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic of components included in anotherembodiment of presentation center 110. In this embodiment, much asdescribed above with respect to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A,presenter 310 operates console interface 210, which includes two windows211 a and 211 b for displaying left and right slides. The slide shown inleft window 211 a is directed to left display 220 a, and the slide shownin left window 211 b is directed to right display 220 b.

In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, display signalsoutput by console 210 are provided directly to displays 220 a and 220 b.However, display 220 a and/or display 220 b are capable of switchingbetween at least 2 input display signals (FIG. 2B illustrates anembodiment in which both displays 220 a and 220 b are capable ofswitching between at least 2 input display signals). In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2B, displays 220 a and 220 b each also receive thedisplay signal output by video switch 270. Usually, video switch 270 isconfigured to output the display signal received from demonstrationcomputer 260. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiment, each ofdisplays 220 a and 220 b can selectively display the display signal itreceives from console interface 210, demonstration computer 260, orconnection controller 290. Thus, during the course of a presentation,one of displays 220 a and 220 b may display a slide from consoleinterface 210, while the other display displays the display signalprovided by demonstration computer 260, in order to more effectivelydemonstrate and explain the operation of software relating to thepresentation. In some embodiments, selection of the display signal todisplay is performed by a manual interface on display 220 a or display220 b or a handheld remote for display 220 a or 220 b. Also, althoughnot illustrated in FIG. 2B, displays 220 a and 220 b may each beconfigured to receive only a single display signal, and implementdisplay signal switching functionality via an external video switch 270.

In contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2B does not include video encoding systems 230 a and230 b. Instead, console interface 210 is connected to network 120 vianetwork router 280. Network router 280 is an optional component in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, as one skilled in the art wouldappreciate console interface 210, connection controller 290, anddemonstration computer 260 may be connected to network 120 in adifferent manner; however, the network topology including network router280 is useful for improved networking speed among the network-connecteddevices included in FIG. 2B. Also, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2Acan likewise be configured to include a network router 280. Via network120, console interface 210 is programmed to provide the content ofwindows 211 a and 211 b to connection server 130. In one embodiment,console interface 210 is programmed to utilize Adobe Acrobat Connectsoftware to establish two sessions with connection server 130, with thefirst session sharing the contents of window 211 a and the secondsession sharing the contents of window 211 b. This window content datais provided by connection server 130 to each of remote participants 140,such that the content of window 211 a is displayed in window 410 ofremote participant interface 400 and the content of window 211 b isdisplayed in window 420 of remote participant interface 400 (see FIGS.4A and 4B, described in more detail below). As the content of window 211a or window 211 b changes during the course of a presentation, theupdated content is reflected at the remote participants 140.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B, demonstration computer 260 isprogrammed to perform the fourth function described with respect todemonstration computer 260 included in FIG. 2A: the execution ofdemonstrations by presenter 310. For example, in an example where apresentation regarding the use of Microsoft Word is being made,demonstration computer 260 is programmed to execute Microsoft Word, andfurther includes in its storage various documents and data which areused by presenter 310 in conjunction with the presentation. In someinstances, the demonstration may be provided by use of virtual machinesoftware such as VMware Fusion (by VMware, Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif.).The use of virtual machine software allows the use of system images,which quickly provide presenter 310 with specific preset programenvironments ideal for demonstration purposes. Usually whendemonstration computer 260 is being used to execute a demonstration,video switch 270 is configured to output the video signal received fromdemonstration computer 260, so that the demonstration may be displayedon one or both of displays 220 a and 220 b. In contrast to theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A, demonstration computer 260 includedin FIG. 2B is programmed to provide the content of its display orwindows presented thereon to connection server 130. In one embodiment,demonstration computer 260 is programmed to utilize Adobe AcrobatConnect software to establish a session with connection server 130, withthe session sharing the content of the desktop of a graphics-basedoperating system. This display content is provided by connection server130 to each of the remote participants 140, such that the content of thedisplay of demonstration computer 260 is displayed via remoteparticipant interface 400. In that particular embodiment, the content ofthe display is not displayed in either of windows 410 or 420. Instead,connection controller 290 is programmed to allow presenter 310 tocontrol remote participant interface 400 such that an additionaldemonstration window 499 is displayed on remote participant interface400. For example, connection controller 290 may be programmed such thatdemonstration window 499 is usually positioned “off-screen,” so as tonot be displayed as part of remote participant interface 400, butpresenter 310 may perform a “drag an drop” operation that movesdemonstration window 499 to position 499 a illustrated in FIG. 4A, atwhich point it is made visible in remote participant interface 400.Further, presenter 310 may choose to maximize demonstration window 499so as to occupy most or all of remote participant interface 400, andprovide a more detailed view of the demonstration being performed ondemonstration computer 260. In some embodiments, demonstration window499 is positioned directly over additional information window 460 (thewindows are stacked), and full screen button is displayed demonstrationwindow 499 on remote participant interface 400, which allows a remoteparticipant to toggle between a full screen view of demonstration window499 to view a demonstration in more detail. This only affects the viewfor a remote participant 140 who clicks on the full screen button, andnot the view presented to other remote participants 140. When performinga demonstration, presenter 310 verbally cues remote participants 140 toclick the full screen button.

Connection controller 290 is programmed to perform a number offunctions, many of which were described above with respect todemonstration computer 260 included in the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 2A. First, demonstration computer 260 receives streaming video fromvideo camera 240. Connection computer 290 is programmed to compressand/or encode the high-bandwidth video data received from video camera240 into a low-bandwidth video data stream suitable for transmission vianetwork 120 and receipt by connection server 130. In some embodiments,video camera 240 is aimed in a fixed direction at a fixed zoom position,so as to provide streaming video of presenter 310 while presenter 310 isat console interface 210. However, in some embodiments, the directionand/or zoom of video camera 240 may be controlled via demonstrationcomputer 260. This allows video camera 240 to be directed at othertargets at the presentation site, such as local attendees 320 orpresenter 310 while at positions other than console interface 210, suchas while operating demonstration computer 260. In one embodiment,connection controller 290 is programmed to utilize Adobe Acrobat Connectsoftware to establish a session with connection server 130 for sharingthe video with connection server 130, with the video data transmittedvia the session provided to remote participants 140.

Second, connection controller 290 outputs and receives audio viaspeakerphone 250. Connection controller 290 is programmed to compressand/or encode audio signals received from speakerphone 250 into anencoded digital format suitable for transmission via network 120 andreceipt by connection server 130. Additionally, connection controller290 is programmed to receive audio data from connection server 130 vianetwork 120, process the received audio data, and output the audio viaspeakerphone 250. Accordingly, when presenter 310 speaks, speakerphone250 captures the audio, demonstration computer 260 transmits audio datato connection server 130, and connection server 130 provides the audiodata to remote participants 140, thereby allowing the remoteparticipants to hear the presentation given by presenter 310. Incircumstances where a remote participant is able to participate in adiscussion during the presentation, speech captured by remoteparticipant 140 is transmitted, via connection server 130, to connectioncontroller 290 for output at the presentation site. In one embodiment,connection controller 290 is programmed to utilize Adobe Acrobat Connectsoftware to establish a session with connection server 130 fortransmitting audio data between connection controller 290 and connectionserver 130. Adobe Acrobat Connect software provides a camera and voicemodule that can be utilized to, with a single session between connectioncontroller 290 and connection server 130, share both the video and audiodata discussed above.

In some embodiments, instead of speakerphone 250, one or moremicrophones and one or more speakers may be provided, particularly at asite frequently used in conjunction with the disclosed subject matter.The use of more than one microphone may better allow audio conversationsby local attendees 320 to be captured. The use of one or more speakersmay better ensure each of local attendees 320 is able to hear audiooutput by connection controller 290.

Third, connection controller 290 is programmed to control interactionbetween presentation center 110 and connection server 130, as well ascontrol how the presentation is viewed by remote attendees 141.Connection controller 290 is used to establish a session with connectionserver 130. Once the session is established, an interface similar towhat is illustrated in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B is provided on connectioncontroller 290. If presenter 310 maximizes a window included in thisinterface, the maximized window will similarly the maximized in theinterfaces provided to remote participants 140. Thus, if presenter 310wishes to focus on a particular portion of the presentation, such as ademonstration being executed on demonstration computer 260, it may bedone via this interface on connection controller 290.

Fourth, connection controller 290 is programmed to allow presenter 310to observe the use of remote student computers 331. In some embodiments,presenter 310 can also control remote student computers 331. This allowspresenter 310 to review and interact with remote use of remote studentcomputers 331 without having to walk over to remote student computers331. In some embodiments, “headless” configurations of remote studentcomputers 331, in which no monitor, keyboard, or mouse is provided forstudent computers 331, may be used, as both presenter 310 and remoteparticipant 140 are able to access student computers 331 via a networkconnection. In some embodiments, remote student computers 331 may beprovided in a location remote from presentation center 110, which mayallow for increased efficiency in administration of a pool of studentcomputers 331 provided for a plurality of presentations. In oneembodiment, student computers 331 are programmed to execute a serverproviding a graphical desktop sharing system such as theplatform-independent Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol, allowingfor remote access by a computer, such as connection controller 290,which is programmed to execute a VNC client, such the open sourceprogram UltraVNC. Additionally, connection controller 290 may beprogrammed to provide a user interface that simplifies establishing aVNC session with any of the student computers 331 participating in apresentation. One example of such a user interface includes, but is notlimited to, a set of icons that each correspond to a respective studentcomputer 331. In some embodiments, the remote access mechanism providedfor remote student computers 331 may also be provided for studentcomputers 330, to facilitate access and control of these systems bypresenter 310.

Additionally, the functionality described for any of console interface210, demonstration computer 260, and connection controller 290 may becombined into a single programmed computer system. For example, thefunctionality of demonstration computer 260 and connection controller290 may be combined, thereby eliminating the need to utilize videoswitch 270. In another example, the functionality of all three systemsmay be combined into console interface 210. Depending on how consoleinterface 210 is programmed to generate display signals, a third displaysignal out may be provided.

FIG. 3 illustrates an in-classroom arrangement for an embodiment ofpresentation center 110 including components illustrated in FIG. 2A.Networking and other data connections between the illustrated componentsare omitted from FIG. 3 to simplify its presentation, but theseconnections are readily understood and implemented by those skilled inthe art based on this description, which expressly describes many ofthese connections. FIG. 3 merely illustrates an embodiment of thedisclosed subject matter, and other in-classroom arrangements may beemployed in accordance with the disclosed subject matter. Although termssuch as “classroom,” “in-class,” and “out-of-class” are employed in thisdescription, other locations including, but not limited to, lecturehalls and meeting rooms can also be employed.

At the front of the classroom, presenter 310 is located near andoperates console interface 210, with displays 220 a and 220 b positionedbehind at to each side of presenter 310. Thus, in-class attendees 320and video camera 240 can view presenter 310 and the presented materialsat the front of the classroom. Speakerphone 250 is located nearpresenter 310 to ensure that speaking by presenter 310 is captured, andthat any incoming audio, such as comments from remote attendees 141, maybe heard by presenter 310. It is also helpful if incoming audio can beheard by in-class participants 320 and that speakerphone 250 can capturespoken comments by in-class participants 320, thereby allowing remoteparticipants 140 to more fully participate in in-class discussionsduring the presentation. Also at the front of the classroom isdemonstration computer 260, which allows presenter 310 to readilyperform demonstrations and control interaction between presentationcenter 110 and connection server 130, as well as control how thepresentation is viewed by remote attendees 141. Video encoding systems230 a are also located at the front of the classroom, as this locationplaces them near displays 220 a and 220 b.

A plurality of in-class attendees 320 are seated in the classroom, witheach in-class attendee having access to an in-class student system 330.FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement in which two in-class attendees 320share each in-class student system 330. However, other arrangements,such as where each in-class student system has a single correspondingin-class attendee 320, may be used, depending on the material beingpresented. In-class student systems 330 are programmed to provide asoftware environment suitable for in-class attendees to performexercises associated with the presentation. For example, if thepresentation relates to the use of Microsoft Word, in-class studentsystems 330 would be configured to execute Microsoft Word, and wouldinclude various example documents relating to the presentation. Virtualmachine software, such as VMware Fusion, may be utilized to providespecific present program environments, in order to quickly provideparticular configurations for use by in-class attendees 320. In-classsystems 330 may be programmed to execute a server program providing agraphical desktop sharing system such as the VNC protocol, allowing forremote access by a computer, such as demonstration computer 260. In someembodiments, in-class systems 330 are connected to a data network.

In addition to in-class student systems 330, there is a plurality ofout-of-class student systems 331 located in the classroom, which areprogrammed to provide the same software environment provided by in-classstudent systems 331. However, each out-of-class computer system 331 isfurther programmed to provide the content of its display or windowspresented thereon to connection server 130, as well as allow remotecontrol of out-of-class computer system 331 via connection server 130.In one embodiment, out-of-class student systems 331 are programmed toutilize Adobe Acrobat Connect software to each establish a separatesession with connection server 130. Other techniques, such as the use ofVNC or other remote desktop software may be utilized, as would beappreciated by those skilled in the art. These sessions not only sharedisplay contents, but further allows control of in-class student systems331 via remote attendee systems 141, such that, for example, keyboardand mouse actions can be performed remotely on in-class student systems331. Each remote attendee 141 utilizes their remote attendee system 140to connect to an out-of-class student system 331, typically such thatonly one remote attendee 140 is connected to each out-of-class system331. This allows a remote attendee 141 to perform, via remote attendeesystem 140, the same exercises associated with the presentation asin-class attendees 320. Out-of-class systems 331 may be programmed toexecute a server program providing a graphical desktop sharing systemsuch as the VNC protocol, allowing for remote access by a computer, suchas demonstration computer 260. In some embodiments, out-of-classcomputers 331 include a display, keyboard, and mouse, which allowspresenter 310 to review use of an out-of-class computer 331 by a remoteattendee 141, and also operate software provided by out-of-class system331 to demonstrate and explain an exercise to remote attendee 141.Out-of-class computers 331 allow presenter 310 to observe how remoteattendees 141 are performing exercises and coach them, much as presenter310 is able to do with respect to the use of in-class computers 330 byin-class attendees 320. In some embodiments, there is one remoteattendee 141 assigned to a given out-of-class computer 331. In someembodiments, an out-of-class computer 331 is shared between two remoteusers 141, who can collaborate on exercises. In some embodiments,separate out-of-class student systems 331 are not provided, but insteadin-class student systems 330 are programmed to be used remotely byremote attendees 141, and to provide voice communication betweenin-class student systems 330 and remote attendee systems 140. In thisway, each remote attendee 141 may collaborate with an in-class attendee320 by sharing an in-class student system 330.

Video camera 240 is located at the rear of the classroom. Typically, awide angle shot is used, which captures presenter 310 and some ofin-class attendees 320. Other uses of video camera 240, and in someembodiments a second video camera, are described in this disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates various windows included in an interface utilized byan embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. In advance of apresentation, connection server 130 is programmed to provide sessionsthat utilize user interface 400. On systems included in presentationcenter 110, such as demonstration computer 260 and connection controller290, presenter 310 establishes sessions with connection server 130 thatprovide the interface illustrated in FIG. 4. Using this interface,presenter 310 is able to share display, video, and audio data withconnection server 130 for presentation via remote attendee systems 140.Additionally, presenter 310 is able to perform “live” rearrangement andcontrol operations for user interface 400 as it is displayed on remoteattendee systems 140. For example, demonstration window 499, whichordinarily is outside of user interface 400, and thus not presented toremote attendees 141, may be dragged into user interface 400 at position499 a. This would cause demonstration window to be presented, along withother portions of user interface 400, on remote attendee systems 140.Further, presenter 310 may then maximize demonstration window 499, so asto provide a full-screen display of the content of demonstration window490. Presenter 310 can control other windows included in user interface400, such as moving, resizing, and deleting windows, with such changesbeing reflected on user interface 400 as it is presented via remoteattendee system 140.

On remote attendee system 140, when a session is established withconnection server 130, user interface 140 is presented via remoteattendee system 140 to remote attendee 141. In one embodiment, remoteattendee system 140 is programmed to provide user interface 400 viaAdobe Acrobat Connect software. Typically, user interface 400 on remoteattendee system 140 does not provide the same degree of control as theinterface provided to presenter 310. For example, user interface 400 onremote attendee system may not allow remote attendee 141 to resize,move, maximize, or close windows included in user interface 400.However, remote attendee 141 is able to interact with, rather thanmerely observe, the presentation provided by presentation center 110 viauser interface 400, as discussed in more detail below with respect tothe windows included in user interface 400.

FIG. 4B illustrates another embodiment of user interface 400. Similarwindows are included as those illustrated in FIG. 4A. Demonstrationwindow 499 is included in user interface 400. Most of the timedemonstration window 499 occupies limited space. However, when presenter310 is performing a demonstration of demonstration computer 260,presenter 310 and/or remote attendee 140 can enlarge demonstrationwindow 499 to allow viewing of its content in greater detail. Forexample, demonstration window 499 may be enlarged to provide afullscreen display. Additionally, user interface 400 includes technicalsupport window 422, allowing a user to receive support from within userinterface 400 without interrupting participation in a presentation.

FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of attendee list window 440 includedin user interface 400. Attendee list window 440 displays presenter 310and remote attendees 140, providing their respective names and one ormore icons denoting their respective role and status. Icon 441 indicateswhich participant is the presenter. Icon 442 indicates whichparticipants are remote attendees 140. Status icons may further beprovided which indicate, for example, a request from a remote attendee140 for presenter 310 to speak louder, or a request from a remoteattendee 140 for presenter 310 to speak softer.

Presenter 310, via attendee list window 440, is able to clear the statusicons.

FIG. 5B illustrates an embodiment of chime-in interface 450 included inuser interface 400. By clicking chime-in button 451, remote attendee 140is able to indicate that they have a question. When a remote participant140 clicks chime-in button 451, their name is displayed in queue display452, and is visible to presenter 310 and other remote participants 140.Also, in some embodiments this results in a chime sound being played atpresentation center 110, to get the attention of presenter 310.Presenter 310 can clear the entire queue by clicking on clear button453, or clear remote participant 140 from the queue by clicking confirmbutton 454 next to their name. A remote participant 140 may also clearthemselves from the queue by clicking confirm button 454 next to theirown name (confirm button 454 is only available to a remote participant140 next to their own name, and not other remote participants 140). Aremote participant 140 may only be listed in the queue once, even if theremote participant 140 clicks chime-in button 451 repeatedly, althoughthere can be any number of remote participants 140 listed in the queue.

FIG. 5C illustrates an embodiment of additional information window 460included in user interface 400. Via display area 461, presenter 310 isable to display images and text that is displayed to remote attendees140 via additional information window 460. For example, additionalinformation window 460 may be used to display an amount of timeremaining in a break period between portions of a presentation.

FIG. 5D illustrates an embodiment of left display window 410 included inuser interface 400. A similar interface is included in user interface400 for right display window 420. In one embodiment, presentation center110 utilizes an Adobe Acrobat Connect session with connection server 130to share the content of left display 220 a, and utilizes an AdobeAcrobat Connect session with connection server 130 to share the contentof right display 220 b. On remote attendee system 140, the sharedcontent of left display 220 a is displayed in display area 411 of leftdisplay window 410, and the shared content of right display 220 b islikewise displayed in right display window 420. Both presenter 310 andremote attendee 141 are provided with zoom tool 412, which allowsadjusting the size of left display window 410, so as to, for example,display the shared content at the full size of user interface 400 toallow remote attendee 141 to view it in greater detail, or at theoriginal size illustrated in FIG. 4A, while scaling the size of thedisplayed shared content appropriately. Presenter 310 is furtherprovided with settings button 413, which allows presenter 310 to controlvarious display settings. As illustrated in FIG. 5D, presenter 310 isable to add annotations via console interface 210 in real time during apresentation, to emphasize or more fully discuss materials. Theseannotations, when made visible for display via display 220 a or 220 b,are also displayed at remote attendee systems 140.

FIG. 5E illustrates an embodiment of chat window 470 included in userinterface 400. Chat window 470 can be used to send a text message to asingle attendee, or all attendees. Upon receipt of a text message, chatwindow 470 displays the sender's name and message in display area 471.To send a text message, one types the message into message area 472,selects a recipient via recipient control 474, and sends the message byclicking on send button 473. Additionally, presenter 310 is providedwith settings button 475, which allows presenter 310 to control variousdisplay settings and preserve the chat history.

FIG. 5F illustrates an embodiment of audio/video window 430 included inuser interface 400. In one embodiment, presentation center 110 utilizesan Adobe Acrobat Connect session to share video data captured via videocamera 240 and audio data captured via speakerphone 250, as well asreceive audio data provided via remote attendee systems 140. Userinterface 400 allows presenter 310 to adjust the size and location ofaudio/video window 430 within user interface 400, and also providessettings button 432, which allows presenter 310 to control variousdisplay settings. On remote attendee system 140, the shared video datais displayed in display area 431 of audio/video window 430, allowingremote attendee 141 to view the actions of presenter 310 and in-classattendees 320, depending upon what is captured by video camera 240.

FIG. 5G illustrates an embodiment of getting started window 480 includedin user interface 400. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4A, gettingstarted window 480 provides a set of instructions that addresses commonissues that arise for remote participants 141 seeking to participate ina presentation, such as establishing an audio connection. In FIG. 4B,technical support window 422 is instead provided.

FIG. 5H illustrates an embodiment of web links window 490 included inuser interface 400. Presenter 310 can provide various links 491 which,when clicked, direct a web browser or other application to contentrelated to a presentation. In some embodiments, web links window 490provides links to hands-on exercises for each remote attendee 141. Byclicking on the correct link 491, remote attendee system 140 establisheda session with an out-of-class computer 331 for performing exercises. Byproviding this link 491 in web links window 490, remote attendee 141 canready connect to the correct out-of-class computer 331 throughout apresentation.

FIGS. 5I-1, 5I-2, 5I-3, and 5I-4 illustrate an embodiment of technicalsupport window 422 included in user interface 400. Technical supportwindow 422 allows any of remote participants 140 and presenter 310 toreceive support from within user interface 400 without interruptingparticipation in a presentation. FIG. 5I-1 illustrates an initial viewfor technical support window 422. Assistance button 423 is clicked toreceive support. Once assistance button 423 is clicked, technicalsupport window 422 presents the view illustrated in FIG. 5I-2. The userenters brief description of the problem, and clicks submit button 424.Then, technical support window 422 presents the view illustrated in FIG.5I-3 until a technical support representative is available to provideassistance. Once the technical support representative is available,technical support window presents the view illustrated, in which theuser is able to conduct a chat session with the technical supportrepresentative. The technical support representative can also enter thevirtual classroom to provide assistance directly. In some embodiments,technical support window 422 is positioned over additional informationwindow 460 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a breakout session configuration600. In a breakout session, a subset of the in-class attendees 320 and asubset of the remote attendees 141 are assigned into a group tocollaborate on a specific task or exercise. In some embodiments, each ofthese groups goes to a separate room to reduce noise and distractions,each room being provided with breakout session configuration 600illustrated in FIG. 6. In some embodiments, a plurality of breakoutsession configurations 600 are provided in a single room, and may, insome embodiments, be provided in the same room in which the associatedpresentation is being held. Breakout session configuration 600 includesbreakout computer system 610, which is connected to network 120, camera630, display 620, speakerphone 640, and input device 650. Breakoutcomputer system 610 is programmed to receive video data from camera 630and receive audio data from speakerphone 640, and then compress and/orencode the received video and audio data into a low-bandwidth outgoingdata stream suitable for transmission via network 120 for receipt and/orretransmission to the remote attendee systems 140 participating in thebreakout session associated with breakout computer system 610. Anexample of camera 630 includes, but is not limited to, the MicrosoftLifeCam VX-7000 USB webcam (from Microsoft of Redmond, Wash.). Anexample of speakerphone 640 includes, but is not limited to, the Chat150 VC Video Conference Speakerphone (by ClearOne Communications of SaltLake City, Utah). As appreciated by those skilled in the art, otherequipment and techniques for receiving and outputting audio and video iswell known, and readily utilized. Camera 630 is positioned to capturevideo of in-class attendees 320 participating in the breakout session,to facilitate more effective collaboration. Remote attendee systems 140are programmed to receive the outgoing data stream, and display thevideo captured via camera 630 and output the audio captured viaspeakerphone 640. Breakout computer system 610 is also programmed toreceive and output via speaker phone 640 audio data received from remoteattendee systems 140, such as speech communications from remoteattendees 141. Remote attendee systems 140 are programmed to captureaudio data, such as speech communications from remote attendee 141, andcompress and/or encode the audio data for receipt by breakout computersystem 610. In some embodiments remote attendees 141 may utilizeheadsets for incoming and outgoing audio, but a microphone and speakerare also suitable. In some embodiments, remote attendee systems 140 maybe programmed to provide and/or respond to an audio control thatselectively enables the transmission of audio from remote attendeesystem 140 to breakout computer system 610. For example, a talk/mutebutton (not shown) may be provided by remote attendee system 140.

Display 620, in some embodiments, is a large format display for use byin-class participants 320. An example of display 620 includes, but isnot limited to, a 47-inch 1080p LCD television with a video input suchas VGA, DVI, or HDMI. Breakout computer system 610 is configured tooutput on display 620 breakout interface 700, which is described in moredetail below. Input device 650 allows for in-class attendees 320, orsomeone concerned with setting up breakout computer system 610, tocontrol breakout computer system 610. Input device 650 may include, forexample, a keyboard and a mouse. In some embodiments, some or all of thecomponents included in breakout session configuration 600 are on a table660, around which in-class attendees 320 are seated.

Breakout computer system 610 may be programmed to allow remote access bypresenter 310, for the purpose of assisting with or reviewing theprogress of the breakout session. For example, breakout computer system610 may provide a Virtual Network

Computing (VNC) server.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a breakout interface 700 utilizedduring the breakout sessions described above. Breakout interface 700 isprovided on display 620 and remote attendee systems 140 during abreakout session. Breakout interface 700 includes attendee list window710. Attendee list window 710 works in much the same manner describedabove with respect to attendee list window 440 includes in userinterface 400. However, for a breakout session, the only remoteattendees 141 listed are those participating in the breakout session.Other remote attendees 141 way be participating in the same class, butassigned to different breakout sessions. Audio/video window 720 works inmuch the same manner described above with respect to audio/video window430. Video data captured via camera 630 and audio data captured viaspeakerphone 640 and transmitted via network 120 is received by remoteattendee system 140, which displays the video in audio/video window 720,and outputs the received audio data for remote attendee 141.Accordingly, remote attendee 141 can view and more effectively interactwith the in-class attendees 320 participating in the same breakoutsession. Additional information window 730 provides other information tothe attendees participating in the breakout session, such as theillustrated countdown timer 931, which displays the amount of timeremaining in a breakout session period. Typically, breakout sessions arefor a defined period of time, after which all of the attendees of apresentation return to the main meeting. In some embodiments, breakoutinterface 700 may also include a chat window (not illustrated), similarto chat window 470 discussed above, to allow attendees participating inthe breakout session to exchange text messages. Broadcast message box740 allows an attendee participating in the breakout session to send amessage to presenter 310 if the group needs assistance. Presenter 310can send a message to all attendees that is displayed via broadcastmessage box 740 or additional information window 730.

Whiteboard window 750, included in breakout interface 700, provides acollaborative tool that enables in-class attendees 420 (via input device850) and remote attendees 141 (via remote attendee systems 140) tocreate and edit drawings and diagrams together. Whiteboard window 750provides multiple virtual pages that are accessible to each of theattendees via page navigation control 751. The attendees may interactwith whiteboard window 750 to draw shapes, diagrams, and notes.Whiteboard window 750 is particularly useful for management-typematerial, where attendees may break into small groups to brainstorm ordraw flowcharts and other project management tracking charts or graphs.Changes made via breakout computer 610 or remote attendees systems 140are reflected on the whiteboard windows 700 provided to each of theattendees of the breakout session. Whiteboard window 750 includesdrawing tools such as, but not limited to, object selector 752 to graband reposition objects; line tool 753 for creating straight lines;rectangle tool 754 for creating quadrilateral figures; oval tool 755 forcreating circles and oval shapes; triangle tool 756 for creatingtrilateral figures; polygon tool 757 for creating multilateral figures;wedge tool 758 for creating semi-elliptical figures; pencil tool 759 fordrawing free-form shapes; text tool 760 for creating and editing text;rubber stamp tool 761 for creating frequently-used shapes; andsticky-note tool 762 for creating and editing on-screen notes.

In some embodiments, remote attendee systems 140 are programmed toprovide an interface that allows remote attendees 141 to switch betweenuser interface 400 for the main meeting and breakout interface 700. Forexample, web links window 490 included in user interface 400 may provideto remote attendees 141 links that when clicked upon will start upbreakout interface 700. Once the breakout session is complete, breakoutinterface 700 may be terminated, and remote attendee system 140 returnsto user interface 400.

Once the breakout session is completed, and the attendees return to themain meeting, presenter 310 can display the results of the breakoutsessions in the main classroom for a group debriefing. One of theattendees will normally speak to the results their group compiled in thebreakout session. In the main classroom, the contents of whiteboardwindow 750 for each of the breakout sessions can be displayed to boththe in-class attendees and the remote attendees for discussion.

In some embodiments, the breakout session features are providedutilizing Adobe Acrobat Connect software. In such embodiments, much asdiscussed above, connection server 130 is utilized between breakoutcomputer system 610 and remote attendee systems 140. In someembodiments, Citrix GoToMeeting (by Citrix Online LLC of Goleta, Calif.)may be utilized to provide the breakout session features describedabove. Each breakout session utilizes a separate session, which isaccessed by the breakout computer system 610 and remote attendee systems140 associated with the breakout session.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of a PC based implementation ofcomputer system 821, and is illustrative of some embodiments of variousprogrammed computer systems illustrated in the figures described above.The exemplary system 821 contains a central processing unit (CPU) 822,memories 823 and an interconnect bus 824. The CPU 622 may contain asingle microprocessor (e.g. an x86 microprocessor), or it may contain aplurality of microprocessors for configuring the computer system 821 asa multi-processor system. The memories 823 include a main memory, suchas a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), as well as a read only memory,such as a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, or the like. The system 821also includes mass storage devices such as various disk drives, tapedrives, etc. The main memory typically includes dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM) and high-speed cache memory. In operation, the main memorystores at least portions of instructions and data for execution by theCPU 822.

The mass storage may include one or more magnetic disk or tape drives oroptical disk drives, for storing data and instructions for use by CPU822. For a user PC, for example, at least one mass storage system 825 inthe form of a disk drive or tape drive, stores the operating system andapplication software as well as data, such as received messages anddocuments. The mass storage 825 within the computer system 821 may alsoinclude one or more drives for various portable media, such as a floppydisk, a compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM), or an integrated circuitnon-volatile memory adapter (i.e. PC-MCIA adapter) to input and outputdata and code to and from the computer system 821.

The system 821 also includes one or more input/output interfaces forcommunications, shown by way of example as an interface 829 for datacommunications via a network 830. The interface 829 may be a modem, anEthernet card or any other appropriate data communications device, fordigital communications of various types via network 830. The physicalcommunication links may be optical, wired, or wireless (e.g., viasatellite, cellular, or WLAN network).

The computer system 821 may further include appropriate input/outputports 826 for interconnection with a display 827 and a keyboard 828serving as the respective user interface. For example, the computer mayinclude a graphics subsystem to drive the output display 827. The outputdisplay 827 may include a cathode ray tube (CRT) display or liquidcrystal display (LCD). The input control devices for such animplementation of the system 821 would include the keyboard 828 forinputting alphanumeric and other key information. The input controldevices for the system may further include a cursor control device (notshown), such as a mouse, a trackball, stylus, or cursor direction keys.The links of the peripherals 827, 828 to the system 821 may be wiredconnections or use wireless communications.

Each computer system 821 runs a variety of applications programs andstores data, enabling one or more interactions via the user interface,provided through elements such as 827 and 828, and/or over network 830to implement the desired processing for the inventory service or theprocessing of requests for inventory services.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computersystem 931, which may perform the functions of a server, and isillustrative of some embodiments of the programmed computer systemsillustrated in the figures described above.

The exemplary computer system 931 contains a central processing unit(CPU) 932, memories 933 and an interconnect bus 934. The CPU 932 maycontain a single microprocessor, or may contain a plurality ofmicroprocessors for configuring the computer system 932 as amulti-processor system. Although not illustrated as such, computersystem 931 may comprise a plurality of discrete computer systems,interconnected via data network 940. The memories 933 include a mainmemory, a read only memory, and mass storage devices such as variousdisk drives, tape drives, etc. The main memory typically includesdynamic random access memory (DRAM) and high-speed cache memory. Inoperation, the main memory stores at least portions of instructions anddata for execution by the CPU 932.

The mass storage may include one or more magnetic disk or tape drives oroptical disk drives, for storing data and instructions for use by CPU932. At least one mass storage system 935, preferably in the form of adisk drive or tape drive, stores the database used for the inventoryservice. The mass storage 935 may also include one or more drives forvarious portable media, such as a floppy disk, a compact disc read onlymemory (CD-ROM), or an integrated circuit non-volatile memory adapter(e.g., a PC-MCIA or USB adapter) to input and output data and code toand from the computer system 931.

The system 931 also includes one or more input/output interfaces forcommunications, shown by way of example as an interface 939 for datacommunications via network 940. The interface 939 may be a modem, anEthernet card or any other appropriate data communications device. Toprovide the inventory service to a large number of users, the interface939 preferably provides a relatively high-speed link to network 940 Thephysical communication link may be optical, wired, or wireless (e.g.,via satellite, cellular, or WLAN network). Alternatively, the computersystem may comprise a mainframe or other type of host computer system.

Although not shown, the system 931 may further include appropriateinput/output ports for interconnection with a local display and akeyboard or the like serving as a local user interface. Alternatively,the server operations personnel may interact with the system 931 forcontrol and programming of the system from remote terminal devices vianetwork 940.

The computer system 931 runs a variety of applications programs andstores the database. Those skilled in the art will recognize that thecomputer system 931 may run other programs and/or host other databaseservices. As such, the system 931 need not sit idle while waiting forinventory service related functions. Also, the system 931 may beimplemented as a single computer system or as a distributed systemhaving multiple appearances at different nodes on network 940.

The components contained in the computer systems 921 and 931 are thosetypically found in general purpose computer systems used as servers,workstations, personal computers, network terminals, and the like. Infact, these components are intended to represent a broad category ofsuch computer components that are well known in the art.

Aspects of the techniques outlined above may be embodied in programming.Program aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or“articles of manufacture” typically in the form of executable codeand/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type ofmachine readable medium. “Storage” type media include any or all of thememory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modulesthereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, diskdrives and the like, which may provide storage at any time for thesoftware programming. All or portions of the software may at times becommunicated through the Internet or various other telecommunicationnetworks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of thesoftware from one computer or processor into another. Thus, another typeof media that may bear the software elements includes optical,electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physicalinterfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landlinenetworks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carrysuch waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like,also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein,unless restricted to tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer ormachine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates inproviding instructions to a processor for execution.

A machine readable medium may take many forms, including but not limitedto, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physicaltransmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in anycomputer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the whitepoint correction, etc. as shown and described herein. Volatile storagemedia include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computerplatform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copperwire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within acomputer system. Carrier-wave transmission media can take the form ofelectric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such asthose generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media thereforeinclude for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetictape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any otheroptical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storagemedium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM,any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data orinstructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or anyother medium from which a computer or other programmable device can readprogramming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer or machinereadable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of oneor more instructions to a processor for execution.

Certain aspects of the invention relate to software elements, such asexecutable code and/or database software used to implement the variousdisclosed functions. These functions may reside on different physicalsystems, linked by local or wide area communications networks.

At different times all or portions of the executable code or databasefor any or all of these software elements may reside in storage media orbe carried by electromagnetic media. The various data components as wellas other files relating to the inventory system developed may reside inor be transported via a variety of different media. Physical mediainclude the memory of the computer processing systems 621, 731, such asvarious semiconductor memories, tape drives, disc drives and the like ofgeneral-purpose computer systems. All or portions of the software may attimes be communicated through via a network or various othertelecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may be toload the software from another computer (not shown) into a server orinto another network element. Thus, another type of media that may bearthe software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagneticwaves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices,through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links.

Hence, operations described above may be carried out by execution ofsoftware, firmware, or microcode operating on a router or computer ofany type. Additionally, code for implementing such operations may be inthe form of computer instruction in any form (e.g., source code, objectcode, interpreted code, etc.) stored in or carried by any computer ormachine readable medium.

At different times all or portions of the executable code for any or allof these programming elements may reside in storage media or be carriedby electromagnetic media. Storage media include the memory of thewireless controller or of memory or other storage elements of computerprocessing systems that may supply programming to the wirelesscontroller, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, discdrives and the like. All or portions of the software may at times becommunicated through the Internet or various other telecommunicationnetworks. Such communications, for example, may be to load the softwareor an update thereof from a computer (not shown) into the wirelesscontroller. Thus, another type of media that may bear the softwareelements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such asused across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired andoptical landline networks and over various air-links.

In this disclosure there are described only the preferred embodiments ofthe disclosed subject matter and but a few examples of its versatility.It is to be understood that the disclosed subject matter is capable ofuse in various other combinations and environments and is capable ofchanges or modifications within the scope of the inventive conceptsexpressed herein. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art willrecognize, or be able to ascertain, using no more than routineexperimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific substances andprocedures described herein. Such equivalents are considered to bewithin the scope of this invention. Additionally, the scope of theinventive concepts includes both combinations and subcombinations of thevarious features described hereinabove, as well as variations andmodifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the artupon reading the foregoing description.

The previous description and figures are provided to enable any personskilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein.Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to belimited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the fullscope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to anelement in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more.” Unlessspecifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neutergender (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. All structural and functionalequivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughoutthis disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothingdisclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public.

1. A system providing an electronic presentation, the system comprising:a console interface programmed to provide a presentation controlinterface for directing visual content to a presentation display forviewing by a plurality of in-class participants; a camera configured tocapture video data of the presenter; a microphone configured to captureaudio data of the presenter; one or more programmable computersprogrammed to receive image data from the camera, audio data from themicrophone, and the visual content displayed on the presentationdisplay, encode the image data, audio data, and visual content asoutgoing data, and transmit the outgoing data to a plurality of remoteattendee systems via the network; wherein the programmable computers arefurther configured to receive incoming data from the plurality of remotecomputers via the network, and in response to the incoming data outputaudio via a speaker, and interact with the console programmablecomputer; and a plurality of in-class programmable systems, eachprogrammed to execute an educational exercise, and each provided with adisplay and input device for operation by one or more of the pluralityof in-class participants; a plurality of out-of-class programmablesystems programmed to execute the educational exercise and to beoperated by a respective one of the plurality of remote attendee systemsvia the network.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the programmablecomputers and out-of-class programmable systems are each programmed toexchange data with a remote connection server to exchange data with theremote attendee systems.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein thepresentation control interface is programmed to direct visual content toa plurality of presentation displays for viewing by the plurality ofin-class participants; the one or more display encoding systems areprogrammed to transmit the visual content presented on the plurality ofpresentation displays to the plurality of remote attendee systems viathe network.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a pluralityof breakout programmable computer systems each comprising a breakoutdisplay, a breakout camera, a breakout microphone, a breakout speaker,and a breakout input device; wherein each breakout programmable computeris programmed to provide a virtual whiteboard on the breakout displayfor modifying a diagram in response to the breakout input device,receive image data from the breakout camera and audio data from thebreakout microphone, encode the image data and audio data outgoingbreakout data, and transmit the outgoing breakout data to a subset ofthe plurality of remote attendee systems via the network, transmitmodifications to the diagram made in response to the breakout inputdevice to the subset of the plurality of remote attendee systems, andreceive encoded audio data from a remote attendee system included in thesubset of the plurality of remote attendee systems, and output thereceived audio data via the breakout speaker.
 5. A system forparticipating in a remote electronic presentation, the system comprisinga programmable computer with a display, audio output device, and inputdevice for operation of the programmable computer; wherein theprogrammable computer is programmed to receive incoming data from aremote computer via a network, and in response to the incoming data (a)display a first live video feed of a remote presenter, (b) output a liveaudio feed of the remote presenter, and (c) display in a window visualcontent selected by the presenter; and wherein the programmable computeris further programmed to operate via the network an educational exerciseon a remote demonstration computer.
 6. The system of claim 5, furthercomprising: a microphone which provides audio input to the programmablecomputer; wherein the programmable computer is further programmed toencode and transmit audio received from the microphone to the remotecomputer via the network; and in response to operation of the inputdevice send a notification to the presenter.
 7. A method for providingan electronic presentation, the method comprising: providing apresentation room accommodating a presenter and a plurality of in-classparticipants; utilizing a console interface programmed to provide apresentation control interface to direct visual content to apresentation display for viewing by the plurality of in-classparticipants; capturing video data and audio data of the presenter;encoding the video data, audio data, and visual content displayed on thepresentation display as outgoing data; transmitting the outgoing data toa plurality of remote attendee programmable computers via a network;providing, in the presentation room, a plurality of in-classprogrammable systems, each programmed to execute an educationalexercise, and each provided with a display and input device foroperation by one or more of the plurality of in-class participants;providing a plurality of out-of-class programmable systems programmed toexecute the educational exercise and to be operated by a respective oneof the plurality of remote attendee programmable computers via thenetwork; and providing a plurality of instructions via the network tothe plurality remote attendee programmable computers, said instructionscausing each of the plurality of remote attendee programmable computersto perform the steps of: receiving the outgoing data; displaying thevisual content and the video data components of the outgoing data on avisual display included in the remote attendee programmable computer;outputting the audio data component of the outgoing data via a speakerincluded in the remote attendee programmable computer; operating, viathe network, one of the plurality of out-of-class programmable systems.8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plurality of instructions furthercauses each of the plurality of remote attendee programmable computersto perform the steps of: capturing audio data of a remote attendee atthe remote attendee programmable computer; encoding the audio data ofthe remote attendee and transmitting the encoded audio data via thenetwork for use in the presentation room;
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the presentation control interface is programmed to directvisual content to a plurality of presentation displays for viewing bythe plurality of in-class participants; the one or more display encodingsystems are programmed to transmit the visual content presented on theplurality of presentation displays to the plurality of remote attendeesystems via the network.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein theplurality of instructions further causes each of the plurality of remoteattendee programmable computers to perform the step of: exchange textmessages with a computer located in the presentation room and the otherremote attendee programmable computers.
 11. The method of claim 7,wherein the plurality of instructions further causes each of theplurality of remote attendee programmable computers to perform the stepof: provide a control to enable control of the field of view for thedisplaying the video data component of the outgoing data.
 12. The methodof claim 7, further comprising: using a plurality of breakoutprogrammable computer systems, wherein each breakout programmablecomputer system comprises a breakout display, a breakout camera, abreakout microphone, a breakout speaker, and a breakout input device, toperform the steps of: modifying a diagram displayed on the breakoutdisplay in response to the breakout input device; encoding video datacaptured via the breakout camera and audio data captured via thebreakout microphone as outgoing breakout data; transmitting the outgoingbreakout data to a subset of the plurality of remote attendeeprogrammable computers via the network; transmitting modifications tothe diagram made in response to the breakout input device to the subsetof the plurality of remote attendee programmable computers; andmodifying the diagram displayed on the breakout display in response todata received via the network from one of the subset of the remoteattendee programmable computers included in the plurality of remoteattendee programmable computers; wherein the plurality of instructionsfurther causes each of the remote attendee programmable computersincluded in the subset of the plurality of remote attendee programmablecomputers to perform the steps of: receiving the outgoing breakout data;displaying the video data component of the outgoing breakout data on thevisual display; outputting the audio data component of the outgoingbreakout data via the speaker; modifying a diagram displayed on a visualdisplay included in the remote attendee programmable computer inresponse to modifications to the diagram received via the network;modifying the diagram on the visual display in response to an inputdevice included in the remote attendee programmable computer;transmitting modifications to the diagram on the visual display inresponse to the input device included in the remote attendeeprogrammable computer to the breakout programmable computer system;capturing audio data of a remote attendee at the remote attendeeprogrammable computer; and encoding the audio data of the remoteattendee and transmitting the encoded audio data via the network to thebreakout programmable computer system.